Entrepreneurship Traits of TEFL Students at Islamic Azad Universities in Mazandaran Province: A Mixed Methods Survey

Research on the entrepreneurial traits of students is a relatively recent area of study in the field of language teacher training in Iran, in spite of its over-two-decade background in the Iranian educational context. However, there has been a lack of research on entrepreneurship specifically among students of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in Iran. This study sought to assess the entrepreneurship traits of English BA and MA students of TEFL at Islamic Azad Universities in Mazandaran Province, as well as identify any barriers to the development of these traits. A total of ۱۲۸ TEFL students (۴۷ MA students and ۸۱ BA students) from four branches selected through convenience sampling participated in the study and completed a questionnaire measuring traits such as risk-taking, internal locus of control, success-seeking, pragmatism, seeking challenges, intellectual health, and tolerance of ambiguity Thirty-one students (۱۲ MA students and ۱۹ BA students) also participated in semi-structured interviews to provide further insight. Descriptive statistical analysis and independent samples t-test revealed that the students’ entrepreneurship traits were at an average level, with no significant differences among the BA and MA students. The qualitative analysis of the interview data identified personal, financial, legal, and educational challenges as obstacles to entrepreneurial development. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to enhance the entrepreneurship traits of TEFL students.

کلیدواژه ها:

Barriers ، Entrepreneurship ، Entrepreneurial traits ، Obstacles ، University students ، Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)